Hello, I’m Dara — Experiential Coach for Life Transitions

Just like you, I’ve been lost and sought answers to life’s existential questions. I’ve tried to find myself in the hundreds of personal growth books I’ve read. I’ve trained as a coach and then as a psychotherapist (studying IFS, EMDR, and somatic approaches), and spent over a decade immersed in my own healing work.

It’s all helped. I’ve become more aware and built better habits. But despite all this, I have yet to arrive at a completely shame-free existence. I have not arrived at any destination, really. Rather, I have experienced the freedom that comes from giving myself permission to experiment my way forward.

The heart of aliveness is becoming more fully who we are, rather than endlessly chasing some elusive measure of worthiness.

This is the beauty of realizing there has never been a mountaintop to reach. We get to experience the profound aliveness of taking off the chains of self-improvement. We get to be imperfectly human. We get to walk this lifelong path of befriending ourselves, over and over again.

As we unburden ourselves, we make more space for the beautiful qualities already within us. Not by “perfecting” ourselves into someone “better,” but through repeated, lived experiences of meeting ourselves with compassion. A loving-kindness that is rooted in a "strong back, soft front, wild heart" spirit.

Let’s explore what working together in this way might look like:

The Tiny Experiments

We don't just talk about the life you want — we experiment our way forward. We design tiny, specific, low-stakes experiments to help your mind and body learn best — through experience.

🪷 IFS (Internal Family Systems) Experiment — developing a compassionate relationship with your inner protectors and giving them the felt experience of safety so they can trust you to lead from a centered, wise place.

🌿 Somatic Experiment — bringing curiosity to your nervous system, learning to attune to and dialogue with felt sensations, and inviting your body to try out new experiences.

🦋 EMDR-informed Experiment — exploring the power of imagination paired with bilateral stimulation (BLS) to turn down the intensity of distressing experiences and create expansive possibilities.

There's no failing an experiment. Whatever happens is information. Over time, these small, repeated experiences of compassion and aliveness transform into an embodied way of being.

The Micro Practices

We then engage intentional neuroplasticity through deliberate micro-practices to cultivate these three essential capacities:

✨ Compassion Practice - returning to loving-kindness for yourself and all beings.

🌊 Aliveness Practice - reconnecting to a felt sense of purpose and awe in everyday interactions.

⛰️ Embodiment Practice - realigning to wholeness and expressing your truth one moment at a time.

These aren't simply boxes to check once. They're capacities we keep practicing and cultivating.

As a fellow traveler and imperfect human, I know what it's like to dance between shame and compassion. Between self-improvement and aliveness. Between perfection and embodiment. I'm continuing to experiment and practice.

We don't have to arrive before we begin.

If you’re curious about working together, schedule your free 20-minute discovery call.

A bit about me.

I’m a multi-passionate human with previous lived experience as a psychotherapist, corporate/startup brand strategist, and creative business founder.

Off the clock, you’ll find me delighting in life’s simple wonders — dancing with my daughters and soaking in their laughter. Nature lights up my soul — I enjoy barefoot beach runs, ocean swims, yoga, and scenic bike rides. I’m also a voracious reader and believe books can accompany us on whatever journey we’re on.